Signing the contract

I recently had an experience which I want to share with everyone, especially with the brides-to-be looking to sign contracts with different vendors. Please do not assume that you’ve been confirmed just because you gathered the information from a certain vendor. You can call, or walk in, to speak to a vendor, gather the necessary information and leave without signing the contract, thinking that you need more time to make a decision. While, someone else can walk right after you left, like what they see, and decide to leave the deposit and sign the contract immediately. Should the vendor wait for the other client to make the decision, not even sure if the client will definitely get their services, and say ‘No’ to someone who is ready to sign the dotted line immediately? This is not how businesses are run. It is always on first come first served basis. Here is what happened:

I was contacted by a few brides-to-be on different occassions who were interested in Laaj Studios’ services for their wedding. There was one thing common among them which was their wedding date. I provided them all with the necessary information. We went back and forth with questions and asnwers, exchanged a few emails. One day, someone else contacted me for the same date and before I hung up the phone she asked to sign the contract. I still had not heard anything from the other parties in days. I emailed her the contract right away, which she signed, and mailed it back to me with the 25% deposit which is required to confirm all bookings!

As soon as I received the signed contract and the desposit check, I emailed the other brides-to-be and informed them that I’ve been booked for the dates they were looking for.
This is where it gets ugly. One of them contacted me and demanded to know why I had signed a contract with someone else while I had provided her with the package detail first. I tried explaining to her that I get calls from potential clients everyday. Some are already gathering information from different vendors even when their wedding date is not until 2009. I wanted to make it clear that just because I provided her with information regarding our services does not mean that she was booked. In order to confirm all bookings, the contract must be signed and 25% non-refundable deposit is required. She kept insisting that I had been unprofessional because I had signed a contract with someone else, while still in talks with her. I just couldn’t not get through to her. She hung up threatning that she will ruin my reputation and tell everyone how unprofessional I was.

My advice to all of you:
1. Please do not assume you’ve confirmed a vendor just by gathering information from them

2. If you really like a vendor do let them know. Make sure you make is clear that you are definitely interested in their services and not just shopping around

3. Sign the contract as soon as you can. Don’t rush into it ofcourse! but make sure you inform the vendor how interested you are in their service

Choosing the right photographer

While choosing the right photographer for your wedding you need to keep in mind the photographer's style and personality.

First, decide whether you like traditional, posed, or photojournalistic photography. Look for a photographer who portrays the style you are looking for. You must love the photographer's style. If you don't like the pictures, you should not consider him/her just because of the price tag. Secondly, make sure that you feel comfortable with the photographer who will be covering your event. It is very important that you are at ease with the individual who is going to be around you and your family members on your big day.